District Kicks Off CTE Month By Hosting Professional Development Day

NEWARK, N.J. – Newark Public Schools kicked off Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month today by hosting a professional development day that attracted educators from throughout and outside the District.

In attendance with our staff at the day-long seminar at Newark Vocational High School were representatives of the public school districts of Paterson, Kearny. (NVHS). The agenda was a series of workshops that explored various topics related to CTE education. Dr. Maria Ortiz, Assistant Superintendent overseeing the District’s high schools, and Sandra Marques, Director of College, Career, and Technical Education, planned the event.

“Our goal is to form reciprocal relationships with other districts,” said Superintendent León. “Through our historic 10-year strategic plan, the high school redesign strategy has developed a variety of programs to help students embark on career pathways. We’ve learned the power of partnerships with universities and industry leaders, and we are looking to expand cooperative ties with neighboring districts to further enrich career education for all students.”

Newark Public Schools has plenty of CTE knowledge gained through experience to bring to any partnership. Since 2020, the District has opened 10 new schools. Four are high schools focused on specific career fields, including fashion design and culinary arts, and the District is planning a new media high school.

The Superintendent highlighted the diverse talents of district students, demonstrating the real-world impact of CTE programs across various industries.

While giving his remarks, he stood before a dramatically lighted wooden display created by students at Barringer High School’s 311 carpentry program. He introduced the NVHS Culinary Arts Academy student-chefs, some featured in the school’s new reality show, Newark Chops. He mentioned that last fall the District released Newark Fashion Forward, another reality show showcasing the Newark School of Fashion and Design's student designers.

Professional quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who attended the morning session, talked about the partnership between the District and his company, Lumi, which uses artificial intelligence to enable students to unlock their abilities to become authentic storytellers.

Board of Education President Hasani K. Council commended the organizers of today’s professional development event.“Today’s professional development event highlights Newark Public Schools’ commitment to not only expanding opportunities for our own students but also strengthening partnerships with neighboring districts to ensure all students have access to high-quality career pathways,” Council said. “By working together, we can provide students with the skills, experiences, and connections they need to excel in their chosen fields.”